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PURPOSE: To determine whether qualitative and quantitative enhancement parameters obtained from contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) can be used in predicting malignancy. METHODS: After review board approval, consecutive 136 suspicious lesions with definite diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed on CEM. Acquisition was routinely started with craniocaudal view and ended with mediolateral oblique view of the affected breast. Lesion conspicuity (low, moderate, high), internal enhancement pattern (homogeneous, heterogeneous, rim), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), percentage of signal difference (PSD) and relative enhancement from early to late view were analyzed. PSD and relative enhancements were used to determine patterns of descending, steady or ascending enhancements. Receiver operating characteristic analysis, Cohen’s kappa statistics and Spearman correlation tests were used. RESULTS: There were 29 benign and 107 malignant lesions. 64% of the malignant lesions exhibited high conspicuity compared to 14% of the benign lesions (P < 0.001). CNR values were higher in malignant lesions compared to benign ones (P ≤ 0.004). CNR from early view yielded 82% sensitivity, 72% specificity and PSD yielded 79% sensitivity, 65% specificity. Descending pattern and rim enhancement observed in 44% and 21% of breast cancers, respectively, and both provided 96% positive predictive value for malignancy. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic accuracy of quantitative parameters was higher than that of qualitative parameters. High CNR, rim enhancement, and descending pattern were features commonly seen in malignant lesions, while low CNR, homogeneous enhancement, and ascending pattern were commonly seen in benign lesions.

Essential oils can be used as natural preservatives in the poultry meat industry. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of some essential oils on the microbial, physicochemical, and sensory properties of marinated chicken breast. For this purpose, rosemary, thyme, and clove essential oils were used at doses of 125 mg·kg-1 and 250 mg·kg-1 while marinating chicken breasts. After the marinated chicken breasts were divided into groups, they were stored in the refrigerator at 4°C. The results showed that 250 mg·kg-1 doses of essential oils, especially at 24 h, and rosemary had more inhibitory effects on some microbial (total mesophilic aerobic, total psychrophilic aerobic, and yeast–mold) parameters. However, the sensory groups with the addition of 125 mg·kg-1 were more accepted. Among these groups, the most acceptable group was the group that added 125 mg·kg-1 of thyme essential oil. The study shows that the use of thyme essential oil as an alternative to chemical preservatives may be beneficial both in extending the shelf life of marinated chicken breasts and in terms of consumer taste.

Abstract Background Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than the average population. Early diagnosis of SCZ patients with subclinical atherosclerosis is great importance in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate some clinical risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with SCZ. Methods Fifty-one SCZ patients (20 females, 31 males) and 55 healthy controls (HCs) (25 females, 30 males) were included in the study. Electrocardiography (ECG), lipid parameters, hemogram, and biochemistry values of the participants were taken. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured. The arrhythmogenic index of plasma (AIP) was analyzed. The recorded right and left carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements by carotid ultrasonography were scanned. Results QT interval (p = 0.035), CIMT-left (p = 0.008), CIMT-right (p = 0.002), fasting triglyceride (p = 0.005), AIP (p = 0.005) in the SCZ group compared to HCs (

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between attitudes toward physical activity and weight gain among children and young adolescents with an additional focus on the impact of gender on these attitudes.MethodsEmploying a descriptive survey method, data were systematically gathered via purposive sampling from 11 specific cities in Türkiye, ensuring representation from all seven regions. A total of 3,138 students, aged between 9 and 14 years, participated in this study, with a distribution of 46% girls and 54% boys. To assess the attitudes of children and young adolescents toward physical activity, the Youth Physical Activity Attitude Scale was utilized. Height and body weight measurements were taken to determine the body mass index of participants. SPSS 26.0 software facilitated the statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was employed to evaluate the impact of age, BMI, and gender on attitudes toward physical activity.ResultsParticipants classified as normal weight exhibited a more positive attitude towards physical activity compared to their obese and overweight counterparts. Moreover, a significant gender difference emerged, with boys demonstrating significantly higher positive attitudes toward physical activity than girls. However, no significant difference was observed in negative attitudes based on gender. The study also revealed that an escalation in negative attitudes towards physical activity correlated with students being categorized as underweight, overweight, or obese, as opposed to having a normal weight status. Additionally, a statistically significant divergence in both positive and negative attitudes towards physical activity was found based on age. Specifically, the results indicated that students aged 9 and 14 exhibited lower levels of positive attitude when contrasted with their counterparts of different age groups. Conversely, in the domain of negative attitudes, students at the age of 9 scored higher than their peers in other age categories.DiscussionAttitudes towards physical activity can serve as a convenient indicator and guide for assessing the effectiveness of various practices or interventions aimed at promoting physical activity, with recognition of the significant gender difference in positive attitudes among children and young adolescents.

Objective:Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) are the most frequently used methods for treating hypoxemia in those diagnosed with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this prospective study, we compared the effects of these two treatment modalities applied alternately in the same patient.Materials and Methods:Standard oxygen therapy (SOT) was administered for 1 hour to patients hospitalized in the ICU with a diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19. HFNO and NIV were applied alternately to patients who met the inclusion criteria, and we evaluated the effects of HFNO and NIV applied to the same patient.Results:Thirty of forty-five patients admitted to the ICU for COVID-19 ARDS met the inclusion criteria for the study. According to the first and second arterial blood gas (ABG) values, the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio was significantly higher during NIV compared to both baseline and HFNO. In addition, the ROX index was significantly higher during NIV than HFNO, and SpO2 in NIV increased significantly compared with the baseline value. In both methods, patient satisfaction according to the visual analog scale was better than that of SOT. Eighty percent (24/30) of the patients were orotracheally intubated; 13 patients were transferred to the ward (43.3%), 2 patients were discharged home (6.7%), and 15 patients died (50%).Conclusion:Starting respiratory support with HFNO and/or NIV rather than SOT is more effective in improving oxygenation in patients with AHRF and ARDS due to COVID-19 and other causes. NIV is more effective than HFNO in increasing the SpO2 and P/F ratio.

The escalating occurrence of landslides has drawn increasing attention from the scientific community, primarily driven by a combination of natural phenomena such as unpredictable seismic events, intensified precipitation, and rapid snowmelt attributable to climate fluctuations, compounded by inadequacies in engineering practices during site selection. Within the scope of this investigation, contemporary geodetic techniques using the GNSS were employed to monitor structural and surface deformations in and around a hospital edifice situated within an ancient fossil landslide region. Additionally, inclinometer measurements facilitated the determination of slip circle parameters. A subsequent analysis integrated these datasets to scrutinize both the hospital structure and its surrounding slopes. In addition to the finite element method, four different limit equilibrium methods (Bishop, GLE–Morgenstern–Price, Spencer, and Janbu) were used in the evaluation of stability. Since the safety number determined in all analyses was

Abstract Background This study compares frontal QRS-T angle (fQRS-T) in electrocardiogram (ECG) examinations of people with nasal septal deviation (NSD) with healthy controls (HC). Methods Eighty-two patients whom a radiologist with paranasal computed tomography definitively diagnosed with NSD were included in the study. 101 individuals without NSD were selected as HC. Results Compared to the HC group, the fQRS-T in was considerably wider in patients with NSD (p

Thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) is a novel block and provides abdominal analgesia. TAPA block targets the both anterior and the lateral branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves. Modified-TAPA (M-TAPA) was defined due to the need for blocking certain dermatomes depending on the surgical incision sites. In the literature, the knowledge about the efficiency and dermatomal coverage of M-TAPA is limited. In this case series, we want to report our experiences with this issue.

Abstract Active citizenship is closely related to basic human values and patriotism, but empirical studies have lacked investigating these variables holistically. Likewise, the mediating role of patriotism between basic human values and active citizenship seems neglected. In this context, the current study examined the relationships between basic human values, patriotism, and active citizenship by grounding upon basic human values, individualism, and collectivism theories. Results revealed that constructive patriotism positively predicted all dimensions of active citizenship (political literacy, participation and protest, and social responsibility) and mediated the relationships between basic human values and active citizenship. Additionally, while stimulation and self-direction individual values, including motivational goals such as challenges in life, independent thought, and autonomy, were associated with the individual aspect of active citizenship (protest and individual responsibility), the values based on equality (benevolence) were related with the collectivist aspect of active citizenship (participation and social responsibility). One of the most influential findings was that the universalism value could only associate positively with active citizenship through constructive patriotism. Another impressive culture-specific result was that the political literacy dimension of active citizenship was positively related to power, which includes the goal of achieving individual success and dominating others. It can be evaluated as Turkish culture is more of a vertical collectivist because, historically and sociologically, a way of gaining power and status has been possible with politics and its cognitive equivalent, political literacy. The study also revealed that active citizenship is promoted through individual values based upon an individual’s independent choices and collectivist values that support societal interests based on equality. In summary, the research mainly revealed that active citizenship is sustained by both individualist values (stimulation, self-direction) and collectivist values (universalism, benevolence), and constructive patriotism has a critical mediating role. Implications of the results were discussed with the relevant literature.

Evaluating energy and exergy can help to optimize the amount of energy consumption in dryers. In this research, apple slices were dried using infrared radiation, and then the energy and exergy of this process were analyzed. For conducting the experiments, apple slices, in two thicknesses of 5 and 10 mm, were prepared and dried using two air mass velocities of 0.006 and 0.012 kg/s and under infrared radiation. The drying time varied from 90 to 130 minutes. Experimental data were fitted to three mathematical models. A logarithmic type model with coefficient determination of 0.99 was the best fit for drying apple slices data. The results of energy and exergy analysis showed that the amount of energy consumption, energy efficiency, the amount of exergy consumed and its efficiency decrease in all treatments. The value of energy efficiency changed between 0.09 and 0.42 and exergy efficiency between 0.01 and 0.81 in different stages indicating that a large amount of energy consumed in dryer, leaves the system unused.

Identifying the mistakes in student responses and being able to manage the solution process are among the fundamental skills that should be acquired by the pre-service teachers. This skill is important in probability, about which students have a great number of misconceptions. The aim of this study was to determine the misconceptions in the student answers given by the researcher about probability and to examine the solution explanations of the preservice teachers. In this context, the student answers containing five wrong solutions were examined. Case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Forty-two third grade preservice mathematics teachers participated in the study. A task-based interview was used in the study. The findings revealed that the participants were able to recognize simple and discrete probability problems more easily and provided correct solutions; however, they had difficulty in determining the universal space independent events and failed to detect the mistakes in the student answers successfully. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the importance attached to procedural knowledge should also be given to conceptual knowledge, what a concept means as well as what it does not mean should be explained, open-ended questions that will increase the power of reasoning should be used instead of typical problems, and more effective learning should be carried out by using different teaching methods and techniques.

This study was designed to determine the psychometric properties of the School Readiness Assessment Tool (SRAT), a new measurement tool for assessing school readiness. The measure aims to assess preschool children's school readiness by estimating their academic, motor, social, emotional, and self regulation skills. Both academic and motor skills are assessed through direct child observation while teacher ratings evaluate social-emotional and self-regulation skills. 228 children attending preschool participated in the study's first phase and 185 children in the second phase. The results show that the items of the new measurement tool had sufficient internal consistency. Both study phases also showed strong evidence of face (content) and construct validity (i.e., convergent and concurrent validity). Overall, the results show that SRAT is a promising new measure for school readiness among preschoolers in Türkiye. In addition to the evidence from randomized control trials, studies should be conducted to determine its psychometric properties with diverse samples, such as rural children and children not enrolled in preschool education.

The central district campus of Gümüşhane, located on the Trabzon-Erzurum Highway, has a steep topography, and because of the effect of climatic and morphological structure, frequent rockfall events can cause loss of life and property from time to time. For these reasons, the slopes in some parts of the Oltanbey and Hasanbey districts of the central district of Gümüşhane, which pose a great threat in terms of rockfall potential, were chosen as the study area. In this study, three-dimensional rockfall analyzes were carried out using the RocPro3D program on the lines determined in the rockfall source zones with a high probability of rockfall. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the rock blocks rolled from the O1, O2 and H1 source rock lines determined at the upper elevations of the study area threaten the settlements and road networks in Oltanbey and Hasanbey districts. With the 3D rockfall analysis, steel barrier was applied as a precautionary structure in the areas determined to be under the risk of rockfall, and the analyzes were carried out again considering the precautionary structures. By examining the results of the analyzes, the safest and most economical different barrier types have been proposed to eliminate the danger of rockfall.

This study aimed to examine the motivation of secondary school students toward context-based biology in terms of variables. Motivations were examined in terms of gender, grade level, school type, project experience, and biology laboratory experience. The research was planned according to the ‘Survey design.’ The sample consisted of 545 students studying at different grade levels (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades) of secondary education institutions in Turkey. The study data were collected through the ‘Context-Based Biology Motivation Scale (CBBMS)’ developed by Gül (2019). The measurement tool consists of 34 items in a five-point Likert type, and a total of three sub-factors: association and effect, participation and competence, and enjoyment and satisfaction. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was determined (α = 0.943) for the entire measurement tool. For the sub-factors, it was α = 0.898 for association and effect, α = 0.914 for participation and competence, α = 0.846 and for enjoyment and satisfaction. For independent groups, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test were used in the data analysis. According to the research results, secondary school students’ motivations toward context-based biology differed significantly according to gender, school type, biology laboratory experience, and grade level. On the contrary, motivations did not differ significantly according to their project experiences. The data obtained from the research will contribute to the literature in determining the factors affecting the motivation of secondary school students toward context-based biology.

This study aimed to simulate dynamic irrigation management zones (MZs) in two maize fields for a variable rate hose reel fertigation machine (VRFM) with a four-section boom control. Soil moisture content was measured from nine and four soil moisture sensors in Field 1 (8.2 ha) and Field 2 (2.5 ha), respectively, on different dates during the 2022 crop season. Three and five MZs scenarios were simulated per irrigation and the theoretical maps were processed for implementation. The application maps fitted to the VRFM showed significant spatiotemporal variations in irrigation requirements. For instance, in Field 1, 3-MZ modelling showed that the areas requiring high (H), medium (M), and low (L)-level irrigation on 21 July were 1.60, 4.84, and 1.85 ha, respectively, even though the farmer applied uniform rate over the whole field. H-level sub-areas ranged between 1.22 ha (25 July) and 3.25 ha (7 July), showing a coefficient of variation (CV) of 43.32% for the three MZs, whereas H-level sub-areas for the five MZs varied from 0.41 ha (2 July) to 1.49 ha (7 July) with a CV value of 48.84%. High levels of within-field variability can be addressed using precise and dynamic irrigation MZs fitted to the irrigation technology used.

Irrigation plays a crucial role in maize cultivation, as watering is essential for optimizing crop yield and quality, particularly given maize’s sensitivity to soil moisture variations. In the current study, a hybrid Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) approach is presented aiming to predict irrigation scheduling in maize fields in Bursa, Turkey. A critical aspect of the study was the use of the Aquacrop 7.0 model to simulate soil moisture content (MC) data due to data limitations in the investigated fields. This simulation model, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), helped overcome gaps in soil sensor data, enhancing the LSTM model’s predictions. The LSTM model was trained and tuned using a combination of soil, weather, and satellite-based plant vegetation data in order to predict soil moisture content (MC) reductions. The study’s results indicated that the LSTM model, supported by Aquacrop 7.0 simulations, was effective in predicting MC reduction across various time phases of the maize growing season, attaining R2 values ranging from 0.8163 to 0.9181 for Field 1 and from 0.7602 to 0.8417 for Field 2, demonstrating the potential of this approach for precise and efficient agricultural irrigation practices.

Purpose ― Over the past two decades since the 2000s, Turkey's private savings rates have decreased, which has become a concern for policymakers. In addition to considering the key determinants of private savings, this study primarily aims to quantify the linear and nonlinear impacts of financial development on private savings from 1980 to 2015. Method ― This study uses Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) procedure and the Fourier Toda-Yamamoto causality framework. Findings ― The main findings are as follows: 1) The ARDL bounds test supports the presence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between private savings and its determinants; 2) Financial development affects private savings nonlinearly in an inverted U-shaped pattern, and 3) No causality relationship is observed between private savings and financial development. Implication ― As financial development has an inverted U-shaped relationship with private savings, indicating that the complementary effect of financial development is replaced with a substitution effect after a certain threshold level, Turkish authorities should consider this evidence when tailoring policies regarding financial markets. Originality ― This study is the first to identify whether the relationship between private savings and financial development is linear or nonlinear in the context of an emerging economy in Turkey.

İnsanoğlunun ayırıcı hususiyetlerinden biri olan bellek, onun şimdi ile geçmişi arasındaki münasebetini tesis etmekle kalmaz; aynı zamanda geleceğin şekillendirilmesinde de önemli bir rol oynar. Belleğin içerisinde ayrı bir yeri olan anılar ise yalnızca görsel ve işitsel bir form görüntüsü çizmeyen, unutulmaya karşı bir tavır alışın metaforu olarak karşımıza çıkar. Öte yandan insanın içinde bulunduğu zamanın psikolojik görüntüsü geçmişe dair anıların yeniden yapılandırılmasına neden olur. Bir özne olarak algısı ve belleği arasında kendiliğinin görüntüsünü ortaya koyan insan, böylelikle, zihninde yaşattıklarıyla bir arada yaşamaya devam edecektir. Mehmet Rauf’un önce Servet-i Fünûn’da tefrika edilen, ardından İhtizar adlı eserine alınan “Uzaktan” adlı hikâyesi hem yayımlandığı yıl itibariyle hem de konuyu ele alışı bakımından Servet-i Fünûn neslinin sanat telakkilerini temsil eden bir erken dönem hikâyesi olarak nitelendirilebilir. Şimdiki zamana ait mutsuzluğundan kaçıp geçmiş yaşantılarına sığınan Nail’in kaleminden bir mektup şeklinde yazılan hikâye bu yapısıyla insanın yeniden anlamlandırdığı kişiliğini gösteren müstesna bir yere sahiptir. Bu anlamda Nail’in geçirdiği süreç psikanalitik bir bakış açısıyla yorumlanmış, arzusunu bütün kılmaya çalışan insanın geçirdiği anlamlandırma çabası incelenmiştir. Belleğin yazı ile olan ilişkisi, kendilik algısının ve arzunun özne ile nesne arasındaki ayrışmada nasıl bir rol oynadığı gösterilmiştir. Makalede kahramanın hikâye zamanında geçirdiği mutsuzluk ve geçmişte aranan neşe psikanalitik edebiyat kuramının bakış açısıyla incelenecektir.

Son zamanlarda nanopartiküllerin (NP)’lerin anaerobik sindirim (AS)’de biyogaz üretimi üzerinde verim artırmaya yönelik etkilerinin olduğu keşfedilmiştir. Bu çalışmada Fe3O4, ZnO ve SiO2 NP’lerin AS’ye olan etkileri incelenmiştir. Bazı NP’lerin yüksek konsantrasyonları toksik etki yapmaktadır. Bu nedenle substrat olarak kullanılan sığır gübresinin AS’de en iyi NP konsantrasyonlarını bulmak için Cevap yüzey yöntemi (CYY)’nin Box-Benkhen Tasarımı kullanılmıştır. CYY seçilen bir aralıktaki birkaç deney setine dayalı olarak işletim değişkenlerinden etkilenen yanıt yüzeyini en üst düzeye çıkaran değerli bir istatistiksel araçtır. Sonuç olarak bağımsız değişkenler için en iyi NP konsantrasyon değerleri SiO2 için 150 mg/l, Fe3O4 için 150 mg/l ve ZnO için 150 mg/l değerinde bulunmuştur. NP eklenmeden önceki biyogaz verimi 290 ml/g uçucu katı (UK) değerinde iken bağımsız değişkenlerin optimum koşullarında 320 ml/g UK değerinde tahmin edilmiştir. Varyans analizi ve yüksek regresyon katsayısı (%98), regresyon modeliyle deneysel değerlerin model tarafından iyi bir şekilde tahmin edildiğini doğrulamaktadır. Böylece gelecek çalışmalarda farklı NP’lerin AS’de etkilerinin birlikte incelenmesi önerilmektedir.

This study was conducted to examine the effect on performance, egg quality criteria and egg cholesterol level of adding different ratios of flaxseed oil instead of sunflower oil to the compound feed of laying hens. A total of 210, 30-week old Lohmann LSL laying hens were acquired for the study. The study groups consisted of a control group (5% sunflower oil (SO) + 0% flaxseed oil (FO) and trial 1 (4% SO + 1% FO), trial 2 (3% SO + 2% FO), trial 3 (2% SO + 3% FO), trial 4 (1% SO + 4% FO) and trial 5 (0% SO + 5% FO) groups. The study lasted for 8 weeks. The feed consumption was not different among the experimental groups. Feed utilization rate was higher in group 2 compared to those of other between 0-8 weeks (P

The mass attenuation coefficient is the primary physical parameter to model narrow beam gamma-ray attenuation. A new machine learning based approach is proposed to model gamma-ray shielding behavior of composites alternative to theoretical calculations. Two fuzzy logic algorithms and a neural network algorithm were trained and tested with different mixture ratios of vanadium slag/epoxy resin/antimony in the 0.05 MeV–2 MeV energy range. Two of the algorithms showed excellent agreement with testing data after optimizing adjustable parameters, with root mean squared error (RMSE) values down to 0.0001. Those results are remarkable because mass attenuation coefficients are often presented with four significant figures. Different training data sizes were tried to determine the least number of data points required to train sufficient models. Data set size more than 1000 is seen to be required to model in above 0.05 MeV energy. Below this energy, more data points with finer energy resolution might be required. Neuro-fuzzy models were three times faster to train than neural network models, while neural network models depicted low RMSE. Fuzzy logic algorithms are overlooked in complex function approximation, yet grid partitioned fuzzy algorithms showed excellent calculation efficiency and good convergence in predicting mass attenuation coefficient.

Professional identity is formed when the responsibilities of being a nurse are understood, internalized, and attitudes, beliefs, and standards that support the development of identity are improved. The formation of professional identity in nursing is a dynamic process that starts during nursing education and continues to develop throughout each nurse's professional career. Education, individual expectations, and experiences are significant factors in the formation of professional identity nursing. Professional identity contributes to nurses in reflecting their competencies in line with their professional practices and thus positively affects their social interactions with patients, their relatives, and colleagues. The formation processes of the professional identities of nurses are essential for the development of the nursing profession. This review presents information on the professional identity formation process in nursing, the associated factors, and domestic and international curriculum activities in this field.

This research aims to compare the ability and item parameter estimations of Item Response Theory according to Maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches in different Monte Carlo simulation conditions. For this purpose, depending on the changes in the priori distribution type, sample size, test length, and logistics model, the ability and item parameters estimated according to the maximum likelihood and Bayesian method and the differences in the RMSE of these parameters were examined. The priori distribution (normal, left-skewed, right-skewed, leptokurtic, and platykurtic), test length (10, 20, 40), sample size (100, 500, 1000), logistics model (2PL, 3PL). The simulation conditions were performed with 100 replications. Mixed model ANOVA was performed to determine RMSE differentiations. The prior distribution type, test length, and estimation method in the differentiation of ability parameter and RMSE were estimated in 2PL models; the priori distribution type and test length were significant in the differences in the ability parameter and RMSE estimated in the 3PL model. While prior distribution type, sample size, and estimation method created a significant difference in the RMSE of the item discrimination parameter estimated in the 2PL model, none of the conditions created a significant difference in the RMSE of the item difficulty parameter. The priori distribution type, sample size, and estimation method in the item discrimination RMSE were estimated in the 3PL model; the a priori distribution and estimation method created significant differentiation in the RMSE of the lower asymptote parameter. However, none of the conditions significantly changed the RMSE of item difficulty parameters.

This study aimed to investigate distance education practices in higher education during the pandemic, focusing on lived experiences, and proposing a policy decision framework for future distance education in similar conditions. Additionally, the study aimed to establish a design framework for an Emergency Action Plan for similar crisis periods. In the study, a case study was used to provide a detailed examination of the current situation's characteristics. The study group consisted of 63 administrators from 34 universities who actively participated in decision-making during the pandemic. Data were collected through 11 online focus group interviews, and the Miles-Huberman Model was used for analysis. The study proposed a policy decision framework for distance education in the post-pandemic period, consisting of 11 headings such as blended learning, open course materials, and Distance Education Center structuring. Additionally, the study presented an emergency action plan framework consisting of six components, including keeping the technological infrastructure working and supporting face-to-face courses with distance education. This study provides valuable insights for universities in preparing for potential crises and improving their distance education practices.

Ammonium (NH4+) is essential to generate the nitrogenous building blocks of life. It gets assimilated via the canonical biosynthetic routes to glutamate and is further distributed throughout metabolism via a network of transaminases. To study the flexibility of this network, we constructed an Escherichia coli glutamate auxotrophic strain. This strain allowed us to systematically study which amino acids serve as amine sources. We found that several amino acids complemented the auxotrophy either by producing glutamate via transamination reactions or by their conversion to glutamate. In this network, we identified aspartate transaminase AspC as a major connector between many amino acids and glutamate. Additionally, we extended the transaminase network by the amino acids β-alanine, alanine, glycine, and serine as new amine sources and identified d-amino acid dehydrogenase (DadA) as an intracellular amino acid sink removing substrates from transaminase reactions. Finally, ammonium assimilation routes producing aspartate or leucine were introduced. Our study reveals the high flexibility of the cellular amination network, both in terms of transaminase promiscuity and adaptability to new connections and ammonium entry points.

This study compared parenting across four non-Western cultures to test cross-cultural commonality and specificity principles in three aspects: measurement properties, parenting normativeness, and their associations with child outcomes. Both mothers and fathers (N = 1509 dyads) with preschool-aged children (M = 5.00 years; 48% girls) from urban areas of four countries (Malaysia, N = 372; China, N = 441; Turkey, N = 402; and Japan, N = 294) reported on four parenting constructs (authoritative, authoritarian, group harmony socialization, and intrusive control) and their sub-dimensions using modified culturally relevant measures. Teachers reported on children's internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial behaviors. The commonality principle was supported by two sets of findings: (1) full measurement invariance was established for most parenting constructs and sub-dimensions, except that intrusive control only reached partial scalar invariance, and (2) no variations were found in associations between parenting and any child outcomes across cultures or parent gender at the construct level for all four parenting constructs and at the sub-dimensional level for authoritarian and intrusive control sub-dimensions. The specificity principle was supported by the other two sets of findings: (1) cross-cultural differences in parenting normativeness did not follow the pattern of economic development but yielded culture-specific patterns, and (2) at the sub-dimensional level, the authoritative parenting and group harmony socialization sub-dimensions were differently associated with child outcomes across cultures and/or parent gender. The findings suggested that examining specific dimensions rather than broad parenting constructs is necessary to reflect cultural specificities and nuances. Our study provided a culturally-invariant instrument and a three-step guide for future parenting research to examine cross-cultural commonalities/specificities.

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Perceptual development which depends on ability of learning and maturity, is the most important process of mental development. It is commonly believed that the mental development of children is limited due to city life. Children can learn perceptual elements through movement participation. This improves the cognitive development, which triggers kinesthetic, vestibular, balance and tactile input stimuli that contribute to the integration processes in the central nervous system. Children become ready to learn when they develop perceptual and motor skills adequately during maturation and learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the training program implemented with developed educational material (a maze-balance board) for perceptual and motor skills of preschool children. This study used a pre-post experimental design. Seventeen preschool children from a primary public school in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey participated in the study. Random assignment of preschool children to the intervention and control group was done. The children in the intervention group attended a perceptual-training program of 17 to 22 sessions implemented with the maze-balance board. Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST II) was used to perform the developmental assessment of children. Mixed Model ANOVA was conducted for statistical analyses. A significant interaction was found in language development and gross motor development, showing that supporting perceptual motor skills in preschool children has significantly contributed to the development of language and gross motor skills in this study.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The introduction of vaccines against COVID-19 caused great enthusiasm around the world as immunization might end the pandemic. However, it was previously stated that COVID-19 cases would rarely continue to occur despite immunization. Fourteen days after the second dose of the vaccine, a 66-year-old male patient with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result and high levels of IgG and low levels of IgM-A against SARS-CoV-2 was admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) due to the clinical picture of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to stress the need for continuing preventive measures in vaccinated individuals, too, by presenting the clinical findings of the patient, who was considered to have developed ARDS due to COVID-19, as high levels of IgG and IgM-A against SARS-CoV-2 were detected on day 8 during ICU admission.

The study area is located of Şiran District Center in the southwest of Gümüşhane (NE Turkey). In this study, hydrogeochemical characteristics of water resources in district center were examined and metal element contents were determined. In the study area, the basement rocks are represented by Eocene Kelkit formation, which is composed of sandstone, claystone, marl, shale and tuff, and this unit is covered unconformably by the Quaternary aged alluvium. These units form granular porous unconfined aquifers according to the hydrogeological features. The pH, specific conductance (SC) and hardness (Fr°) values of the water resources in the study area varied between 5.41-7.48, 106.9-141.3 μS/cm and 4.72-6.78 (n= 18), respectively. According to the classification of Intra-Continental Water Resources, these data show that the samples are mostly class-I and II, rarely class-III water quality characteristics. The water resources in the study area are generally classified as Ca-Mg-HCO3 type carbonated (Ca+Mg>Na+K), and generally their weak acids are more than strong acids (HCO3>SO4+Cl). In the study area, (Ca+Mg)/(SO4+HCO3) ratios indicated the effect of silicate weathering in the waters, and the Cl/(Cl+HCO3) and (Na+K)/(Na+K+Ca) ratios show that the chemistry of waters is controlled by the chemical weathering of rock-forming minerals, hence, reflect the water-rock interaction. Except for a few, the concentration of dissolved potentially toxic elements in the water samples were distributed within acceptable limits. Consequently, the hydrogeochemical results showed that the water resources in the study area were in the category of good class waters in terms of drinking water.

Abstract Hydatid cyst caused by the larval form of Echinococcus is a worldwide zoonosis. The lungs and liver are the most common sites involved. While the lung parenchyma is the most common site within the thorax, it may develop in any extrapulmonary region including the pleural cavity, fissures, mediastinum, heart, vascular structures, chest wall, and diaphragm. Imaging plays a pivotal role not only in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, but also in the visualization of the extent of involvement and complications. The aim of this pictorial review was to comprehensively describe the imaging findings of thoracic hydatid cyst including pulmonary and very unusual extrapulmonary involvements. An outline is also given for the findings of complications and differential diagnosis of thoracic hydatid cyst.

Bu araştırmanın amacı “müzikli sandalye” isimli eğitsel oyun aracılığıyla özel yetenekli öğrencilere habitat kavramını öğretmek ve habitatlarda gerçekleşen bozulmaların canlılar üzerine etkilerine yönelik farkındalık oluşturmaktır. Araştırma nitel araştırma desenlerinden “örnek olay çalışmasına” göre yürütülürken, araştırmanın katılımcılarını 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılı güz döneminde “Bilim ve Sanat Merkezleri” ne kayıtlı 10- 14 yaş aralığında 25 özel yetenekli öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın verileri üç açık uçlu sorudan oluşan “yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu” (Yılmaz, Çimen, Karakaya, & Adıgüzel, 2019) aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde “içerik analizi yöntemi” kullanılmıştır. “Müzikli sandalye” etkinliği katılımcıların aktif olarak katılım sağladığı bir eğitsel oyundur. Bu oyun aracılığıyla katılımcıların habitatlardaki bozulmaların etkilerini fark etmeleri amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, katılımcıların oyunda yer alan materyaller ile habitat kavramı arasında ilişki kurabildikleri ve oyun sürecinde yaşanan olaylardan yola çıkarak habitat parçalanmalarının canlıların üzerine etkisini tespit edebildikleri belirlenmiştir. Katılımcılar habitat bozulmalarını önlemek için habitatların korunması veya yok edilmemesi, av - avcı ilişkisinin düzenlenmesi ve av - avcı avlanmasının yasaklanmasını önermişlerdir.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine health status and health needs of Ahıska Turks immigrants settled in Uzumlu district of Erzincan, and to improve health policies in the light of data obtained. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Targeted population of study was 1231 Ahiska Turks who lived in Uzumlu. Sample size was calculated as at least 233. Systematic sample method was used for determining sample. Researches applied a questionairre, which was including 41 questions for demographic information, health status and health needs between April 1 to September 30, 2017. SPSS 23 statistical program was used for descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: 237 participants were included in the study. The rate of chronic diseases (CDs) was 47.00%, and 54.00% of chronic diasese patients indicated that their chronic disease had not been under control. The mean number of physician visits was 3.56, and the most visited physician was primary care physician (PCP). The 17.50% of participants answered positively to the two questions of short depression screening scale. The 60.10% of participants stated that they have problems during getting health care. The mostly stated problems were: communication (34.00%), inattentive care (18.50%), discriminition (8.40%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It can be emphasized that our CDs prevalences are lower than Turkish population. The first healthcare profession came to immigrants' mind for getting support was PCPs. For the purpose of decreasing discrimination, ‘diversity management' policy should be implement, and PCPs should be trained for efficient healthcare service.

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Badlands are extensively eroded landscapes consisting of weakly consolidated deposits within highly dense drainage systems. Their controlling and shaping factors can differ in relation to various internal and external conditions and processes that are not always well understood. This study focuses on the development of a badland landscape affecting Miocene and Quaternary sand-clay sediments in the extensional tectonic regime of Western Turkey with a multidisciplinary approach. The area between Kula and Selendi towns exhibits a badland topography with extensively eroded surface features, deepened gullies within poorly consolidated, sand clay-sized sediments. The results of structural field mapping and morphometric analyses using a 5 m resolution DEM to study the role of structural control in the development of badlands are presented in this study. Field data analysis supported by the quantitative assessment of longitudinal gully profiles illustrates the role of pre-existing structures as faults, their orientation and geometry in net erosion-sedimentation and the development of deepened gully networks. Representative illustrations, field photographs and block diagrams are presented to show the relationship between the rock structure and badland landscape. The connection between the extensional tectonics, erosional dynamics and geomorphology point to a structurally-controlled landscape in the Kula badlands in Western Turkey.